Not merely rescue, but supporting the survivors reintegration into society has always been a top priority for us, thus minimising the chances of revictimization and breaking the cycle of crime. Since inception, we have supported 3,385 survivors through our care and support program. 

Objective

To provide support to survivors to facilitate their physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being leading to their reintegration and empowerment.

Details

Crimes like sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking are widely prevalent in India as a deep rooted, systemic issue with multiple levels of causative factors, mostly affecting women and children. These violent crimes, usually involves prolonged and repeated trauma. Specific exploitative conditions may also result in the short- and long-term physical injuries, risk of serious illness- HIV/AIDS/STD, poor reproductive system, disabilities and sometimes deaths. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide direct assistance to vulnerable survivors through a comprehensive package of support for protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration to instil a life of dignity and value in their future & reduce chances of revictimization. 

The primary objective of this programme is to provide support to survivors to facilitate their physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being. Social workers and counsellors are the core team members involved in this programme.

The role of social workers at Vihaan starts right from the time of pre-rescue (if it is a direct case) and from the time a referral case is approved internally (for referral cases) continues through the reintegration process. It includes support in the areas of 

Ø  Rescue support

Ø  Home investigation

Ø  Education and skill building

Ø  Counselling

Ø  Restoration/ Repatriation to family

Ø  Livelihood generation

Five key approaches form the foundation of this program

1. Victim centred approach i.e. all actions take into account the victim’s needs and victim’s rights of self-determination and autonomy. Thus, the victim can make an informed decision regarding all aspects of the case/situation including risks, progress and therefore participate in the steps/actions taken for their safety and protection and at the same time acquire justice. 
2. Care is provided keeping in mind the best interest of the victim which means the basis for any decision taken to ensure fulfilment of his basic rights and needs, identity, social well-being and physical, emotional and intellectual development
3. Each survivor is unique, therefore efforts are taken to map and understand the progress at each stage and customise interventions for better outcomes for the survivor
4. Our interventions include physical, psychological, social, economic, medical and legal support to the victims for their effective rehabilitation and integration into society
5. A survivor once said, “Nothing about us, without us.” Vihaan truly believes in the importance of the inputs, thoughts, and information that survivors provide, and a significant effort is made to ensure inclusion of these inputs to strengthen the existing services, and programs. There is a visible evidence of this through the annual meet (Seasons of Change) programs, Champions* Meet and interaction through constant case work conversation with survivors. 

The expected final outcome of the programme is a successful and sustainable reintegration of all survivors at three levels – Social, Economic and Self  for e.g. where the survivor is no longer facing exploitation, feels accepted into the community, has a dignified and non-exploitative source of livelihood or income, feels empowered or equipped to lead a meaningful life, does not face stigma, able to assimilate in society and able to access their rightful entitlements (amongst other parameters). 

*Champions are survivors who have made informed decisions, to take that step to lead the voices of other survivors and bring about a change. These survivors have expressed their interest and desire to work for the cause, either as a part of the organization, within the community, or by sharing their voices at platforms where the impact is highest.

Stories of Change

Finally Home

Saira* came out of an abusive marriage with great difficulty but was trafficked to India in January 2020 on the pretext of a job at a beauty parlour. Finding herself imprisoned in the sex trade, after months of abuse and exploitation, she mustered enough courage to run away from the brothel. Staying at the state-run shelter home, Saira was enrolled in a beauticians course to help acquire skills that would enable her to receive sustainable livelihood opportunities back home. Throughout her stay here, she longed to return home to Bangladesh and be with her mother.

Vihaan worked closely with their partner across the border to arrange for her documents. The team then approached the Bangladesh High Commission at New Delhi for travel permits. In June 2021, with the support of DWCD, police, Intelligence Bureau and Border Security Force, Saira was repatriated to Bangladesh. We continue to keep in touch with our partner organisation in Bangladesh to ensure her safety and will continue to support her with her case in India.

A fighter who Refuses to Give Up

Swathi*, a teenager, was living happily with her grandparents and sisters after the death of her parents. One day, her grandparents were approached by a couple with a wedding proposal for Swathi. Since her grandparents were growing old, they felt it would be good to see their grandchild settling down in marriage and accepted the proposal. Swathi too agreed to the wedding. Unfortunately, she had just completed her ninth standard and was only sixteen years old.

Soon after her marriage, her hopes to live a happy life were shattered as her husband started abusing and torturing her. Unable to bear the violence, she decided to end her marriage and return to her grandparents. To find some solace, while at home, Swathi subscribed to Facebook and began connecting with people. One day, she received a friend request from a lady named Sahana* and began chatting with her. Swathi spoke about her life, her failed marriage and threats from her husband. Sahana in return offered her sympathy and a job in Bangalore. Swathi left home with new dreams but instead landed in a brothel in Delhi.

She was rescued after a few days by Vihaan and the police along with 13 other girls and placed in a safe shelter. A fighter, Swathi, spoke at length with the social workers about her ordeal and was full of gratitude to the entire team for rescuing her. Swathi was then transferred from New Delhi to a child care institution near her village.

Swathi finished school through the National Institute of Open Schooling and was admitted to college for technical training. Vihaan is supporting her education and hostel fees. In July 2022, on World Day Against Human Trafficking, Swathi spoke about the dangers of human trafficking at a government event.

Vihaan has been working on her case in New Delhi. She was supported by the team to acquire identification documents, open a bank account and file for victim compensation under the New Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme. She was recently awarded INR 6,00,000 as compensation by a court.